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Review

2009
Buick
Lucerne Review

A traditional American luxury sedan that offers decent performance and a roomy interior without all the flash and dazzle.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/26/2009

Overview

The 2009 Buick Lucerne is a full size, front-wheel drive (FWD) luxury sedan that offers seating for five to six passengers. It offers traditional American-styled luxury, with a V-6 engine and a spacious interior that is quiet and unassuming. Trim levels are divided into three distinct levels: the CX, CXL, and Super. Additional equipment within each distinct level results in the full lineup of the CX, CX-2, CXL, CXL Special Edition, CXL-3, CXL-4, CXL- 5, and Super.

The Range

What's New

A new 3.9-liter, 227 hp, V-6 FlexFuel engine is introduced for the CX and CXL models in 2009. Also new are standard 17-inch wheels and Bluetooth connectivity.

Exterior

The 2009 Lucerne has Buick’s familiar waterfall chrome grille and snugly-fit body panels. The Lucerne follows the tradition for large American luxury sedans with its quiet elegance. At a 203-inch length and a 115.5-inch wheelbase, it is longer and wider than some of its competitors. It’s probably not going to seem attractive to younger drivers, but older drivers will appreciate its overall classic styling.

Interior

The 2009 Buick Lucerne’s cabin is spacious and luxurious. The seats are comfortable and well-bolstered. The cabin is insulated and offers a quiet refuge from road noise. Rear seat legroom allows for comfort, even on long trips.

Trimmed in chrome and faux wood, the interior has an old-fashioned handsome quality, but it may not appeal to people who desire modern luxury features.

The cockpit's equipment is well-placed and easy to use. An optional split-bench front seat (in the CX And CXL) can increase seating capacity from five to six. The trunk’s cargo capacity is 17 cubic feet and has a ski pass-through to accommodate long items.

The Base CX model is equipped with power door locks, power windows, power heated mirrors, a six-way power driver seat with height adjustment, cloth upholstery, bucket front seats, rear ventilation ducts, cruise control, front console with storage, power steering, 12-volt power outlet, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise control functions, interior air filtration, air conditioning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, tachometer, trip computer, external temperature display, OnStar telecommunications service, Bluetooth connectivity, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite audio system with six speakers and radio data system. Optional items include remote vehicle start, dual-zone climate control, and rear park assist. A full bench front seat is optional for the CX and CXL.

Standard on the CXL is leather upholstery, eight-way power heated driver and passenger seats with power lumbar support and height adjustment, a heated steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, universal remote transmitter, and dual-zone climate control. Options among the CXL variants include cooled front seats, perforated leather upholstery, and a Harmon/Kardon 280-watt audio system with nine speakers.

Performance & Handling

The 2009 Buick Lucerne is behind some of the competition as far as performance and handling go. Most vehicles in its class offer more than a four-speed automatic transmission with widely-spaced gear ratios. The same transmission is in the Super, so even its V-8 performance can’t overcome the lackluster transmission.

Ride quality is adequate, and it is improved in the Super, thanks to the engine’s acceleration and magnetic adaptive suspension.